No. 398.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts.
Port-au-Prince, April 21, 1880. (Received May 6.)
Sir: I have the honor to advise yon that there appears in the official section of Le Moniteur, as published on the 8th instant, the following remarkable statement as translated:
The government recollects that international law accords it the absolute right of expulsion from our territory of foreigners who seek to disturb the public order.
The government remembers equally that according to the law of all nations, consuls and consular agents are subjected to the local jurisdiction, especially when they are engaged in commerce, and that diplomatic immunities only reach public ministers and the personnel of their legations.
The announcement of these doctrines, in this manner at this time, would seem to indicate a purpose, on the part of the government of inaugurating some new policy with regard thereto in its national practice.
However, so far, it is only practicable to await, after transmitting this intelligence, the future action of the government with regard thereto.
I am, &c.,